Interview with Bangte
Bangte is a photographer raised in China, based in Shanghai and London.
Gabrielle: As a student who studied abroad for quite a few years, what is the most uncomfortable thing?
Bangte: I am not able to access some foreign social media such as Instagram and Facebook is the most uncomfortable thing while I go back to my country.
Gabrielle: Well, in this case, do you have any opinion on the internet safeguard 'the Great Wall'?
Bangte: I think the safeguard of the internet is necessary. However, I couldn't stand them infringe on our freedom for some of their interests.
Gabrielle: There own interests?
Bangte: Some political interests, such as the conflicts between countries. I suppose maybe they should shift gears rather than affect our rights on using global social media.
Gabrielle: If possible, do you wish this to continue?
Bangte: I won't agree with this 'great wall' to continue. Although we could use applications like VPNs to get illegal access to global social media, from my perspective, it does violate the constitutional provisions: Citizens have freedom of speech and are free to use communications, and citizens' communication interests are protected by law. No organization or individual may infringe citizens' freedom of communication and communication interests for any reason. Thus I think some of their practices are contrary to the Constitution.
Gabrielle: Thank you.
Interview with Yvonne
Yvonne studies business management at Cass Business School.
Gabrielle: As a student who studied abroad for quite a few years, what is the most uncomfortable thing?
Yvonne: Well for me, the biggest problem is that I cannot get some social software that I usually use to chat with friends. And you know, even Google cannot be used in China. Such as Instagram, Facebook, What's App and much commodious software are banned in China, as well as plenty of information.
Gabrielle: Well, in this case, do you have any opinion on the internet safeguard 'the Great Wall'?
Yvonne: Although I have some discomfort and dissatisfaction with these things, I think Internet protection is right. I strongly support it. Firstly, as we all know, the Chinese Government is trying to control public opinions. It is necessary for building a peaceful and powerful country. Otherwise, all the people are talking about political gossip. On the other hand, as it is known that we can quickly found some anti-communist videos and speeches on Youtube or other social software. However, people would be influenced by these unreal words.
Gabrielle: Of course.
Yvonne: There are many people who after watching those video and speech would anti-communist psychology. So, in my opinion, Internet protection could affect unit 1.4 billion Chinese people as the whole. It's not an easy thing. And I believe that the establishment of Internet protection by Chinese Government also brings a lot of economic benefit for our country. Because of the ban of that social software, that comes with the development of social software in our own country. For example, We Chat, QQ, Alipay, etc. this software all have a significant influence in China. Including Tik Tok, the new most popular App will bring much economic benefit.
Gabrielle: I think you are right.
Yvonne: These can promote the development of GDP, including Taobao and Alipay. For instance, in the past, migrant workers need to go to the market to buy things. Now with Taobao, they can improve their lives.
Gabrielle: In other words, Taobao, as a shopping application similar to Amazon, has played a role as a social platform.
Yvonne: Yes, and now the influence of Taobao and Alipay is enormous, they have penetrated foreign commerce because we can use Alipay and WeChat payment in the mall. This influence is getting bigger and bigger. So in fact, to be honest, the two leading players on the Internet are nothing more than the United States and China. It turned out that there was a prejudice against the Government. I felt that what happened to me. This can't be used without it. It seems to block the real thing, but now I think the Government has been protecting us and protecting the country. So I still very much support Internet protection measures.
Gabrielle: Thank you so much for your perspectives.
